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Exchange, explore, experience—a letter to Mrs Obama

By Rachel Yao | March 26, 2014, Wednesday | Online Edition

Dear Mrs Obama,

I am disappointed that you have omitted Shanghai from your visit to China in favor of Beijing, Xian and Chengdu.  China’s financial capital has so much to offer and I hope you will include Shanghai in your itinerary on your next trip to China. Ditch the popular tourist attractions, ditch the external opinions, ditch the comparison to other cities in China and come explore a fascinating city of night-lights and diverse culture, for both teens and adults.

Dare to explore, dare to get lost. Shanghai is a city best explored on feet. Admire the century old red brick walls that surround the eclectic boutiques and the exquisite cafes that are one of a kind in Tianzifang. A combination of an old Shanghai neighborhood with a touch of modern elegance, the maze-like alleyways of Tianzifang offers a wild variety of adventures for all, from traditional Chinese tea houses to souvenir shops to toilet themed cafes and local Shanghainese delicacies.

Unique, check. Cultural, check. Learning experience, check.  Why do Shanghai students top the global education polls in Maths, Science and Reading?  Find out by visiting one of the best local schools like the Shanghai Foreign Language School.  It is a place where you get to interact with the native children of Shanghai, many of whom will go on to study abroad in America. Forty bodies come together and participate in a lecture-based class where rote learning is the key to success.  Besides school, another intriguing pursuit is Yayoi Kusama’s polka dot exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Yes, it may sound boring and effortless, but this Japanese artist managed to take a simple concept and transform it into an eye opening perspective of the world around us. She utilizes psychedelic colors and expands her art skills with paintings to sculptures to audience-based art. Overall, her exhibition is such a spectacular work of art as it inspires hope in everyone.

Authentic, check. Delicious, check. Exceptional, check.  Shanghai is home to the mouth-watering Xiao Long Bao.  Forget the other establishments and head to Ding Tai Feng, where you can dine with Chinese celebrities painted on the walls. Savor Chinese delicacies made on the spot from the chefs enclosed in glass kitchens as they use their hands to create intricate platters of the juicy, translucent-skinned dumplings.

Do not forget to visit the Shanghai Museum which I think is the best museum in China. The ancient bronze cauldron-shaped museum is home to countless priceless artifacts from various Chinese dynasties: Bronze, Ceramics,  Jade, Stone Sculptures…

Mesmerizing,  check.  Spectacular,  check.  Impressive,  check.  The Shanghai skyline which straddles the Huangpu river with colonial art deco buildings on one side and  futuristic skyscrapers on the other is a must-see for all visitors to Shanghai. Stroll along the Bund and soak in the grandeur of Shanghai’s past while looking towards her bright future as evidenced by the trio of skyscrapers consisting of the Jin Mao building, the World Financial Center and the soon to be completed Shanghai Tower. Of course, there is also the unique Shanghai Oriental Tower which is the icon of the city.

Romantic sycamore trees, dancing in the parks, the aroma of local street eats, the confluence of bicycles, motorbikes and cars, plus the dawn of Spring is what makes Shanghai an interesting visit.  I hope I can convince you to come and see for yourself.

(The author is a 10th grader and a Shanghai resident. She is currently a student at Deerfield Academy in the US and is back in Shanghai for Spring break.)

 

Education


 

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